Lionel Messi struck twice as Barcelona bagged a hard-fought 3-1
win at in-form Deportivo La Coruna in the Primera Division.
Pep Guardiola's side had seen their lead at the top of the table
cut back to two points just before taking to the field in Coruna,
following Real Madrid's 4-2 victory at home to Almeria.
At the start of the day, Barca had played a game more than their
fierce rivals after their clash with bottom club Xerez was put forward
to Wednesday.
That was due to the Catalans' participation in the forthcoming
World Club Championship and Guardiola's side won 2-0 in Andalusia
in what was a far from convincing performance.
Barca had been held to three straight draws on the road in the
league before that match and Guardiola called for an improvement
ahead of this clash.
But they were made to work hard for the win against a Deportivo
side enjoying a fine start to the season.
The Galicians had won eight of their 12 league matches prior to
this one and proved hard to break down.
Messi put Barca in front after 26 minutes, but Deportivo hit back
later in the first half through Adrian Lopez.
The game could have gone either way after that, but Barca's superior
quality eventually told as Messi headed the Catalans back in front
with 10 minutes remaining.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic rounded off an important victory for the visitors
with a third goal right at the death.
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